The European Union is planning to examine the business practices of several e-commerce companies that may be engaging in antitrust activities, according to Reuters.

As part of its Digital Single Market strategy— which is aimed at facilitating e-commerce and digital activity in Europe — the EU has been investigating antitrust activities in e-commerce for two years.

These inquiries have uncovered business practices that may be hindering online sales and cross-border commerce:

Manufacturers have been distributing selectively to pre-authorized sellers, blocking pureplay online retailers like eBay from selling their products and limiting the number of small businesses that can do so. While this affords manufacturers more control over pricing and distribution, it also makes their products less appealing to foreign consumers who may find more choices and lower prices elsewhere.

Nearly 60% of digital content providers — across video games, TV shows, and music — made an agreement with copyright holders to geoblock customers. These providers use geoblocking to charge customers different prices based on their location.

While the probe is largely focused on activity within the EU, eliminating these business practices could drive greater online sales from other regions. Global cross-border e-commerce is estimated to grow to $900 billion by 2020, according to DHL. This could provide a huge boost to the EU's economy, especially if it can facilitate digital sales from Chinese consumers who have a huge appetite for foreign made goods.